La-Ventura – ‘2.0’ EP

posted 23 May 2016, 13:19 by Paul Woodward

(Independent)

Review
By Woody

When it comes to Symphonic Metal the Netherlands and
Finland in particular seem the best exponents of the genre. So knowing La-Ventura
hail from the Netherlands adds an extra sense of anticipation prior to
listening to the EP for me. They have a new album scheduled for the not too
distant future but the release of this EP keeps the band flowing especially
amongst its established fan base.

2.0
is
four strong symphonic metal songs with strong gothic tones, very atmospheric interspersed
with biting metallic guitar riffs to give it some heaviness. I think fellow Dutch
band Within Temptation are a good comparison as there is a lot atmospherics at
play here as opposed to brutal bone crushing metal you get with some of the
heavier bands within the genre. The songs can be very smooth and melodic
especially on the choruses where the band tend to push for an emotive
atmosphere rather than an aggressive pounding.

I really took to vocalist Carla Van Huizen’s voice and
style immediately she has a really soothing tone which I liked and this also accentuates
the lush atmospherics’ giving some of them an ethereal quality. Whilst her
voice isn’t operatic like some of the hard-core symphonic bands much like
Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation) she can push her voice in that style but
without become pompous and overblown – which allows for a far more commercial
sound and songs with wider appeal. Her voice is a real selling point for me and
one of the reasons I think femme metal fans will really enjoy the band.

There are little touches of Prog to the song arrangements
which is no surprise given that most symphonic bands have strong Prog
influences in their music. I also found La-Ventura less bombastic or epic
sounding than many similar acts but I think the fact the band are less grandiose
benefits them as I feel it gives these songs more power and emotional connection
with listeners with them not getting lost in ostentatiousness.

There are some lush melodic soundscapes which got
really under my skin and the smooth atmospheric choruses have a real impact
making all the songs featured on this EP extremely memorable.

It’s an excellent taster of the band and Femme metal fans
should definitely check this out as I’m sure it will please many genre fans
immensely! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for their next full album.

Track
Listing: Carry On / As I Lay Dying / Brave Man / The Great Escape